Container for a stack of interfolded tissue sheets

ABSTRACT

A container for a stack of connected tissue-sheets has a generally planar top wall, a bottom wall and side walls connecting the bottom wall with the top wall and an opening provided in at least the top wall. The stack is placed in the container with at least a pair of edges of a lowermost tissue-sheet placed on the bottom wall and an uppermost tissue-sheet placed near or in contact with the top wall and adjacent to the opening, which is provided with elongated, overlapping projections extending from opposite sides thereof. Each projection has a tip terminating the projection before an edge of an opposing side of the opening, and the tips of adjacent projections extend past each other both in an inactive position, wherein all projections are placed in the same or in parallel planes, and in an active dispensing position, wherein the projections are turned upwards.

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention pertains to a stack of interfolded tissue-sheetspacked in a container, said container having a generally planar bottomwall and a top wall and side walls connecting the bottom wall with thetop wall and an opening provided in at least one wall for the removal ofsaid tissue-sheets from the container, said stack of interfoldedtissue-sheets being placed in said container with at least the edges ofa lowermost tissue-sheet placed on the bottom wall and an uppermosttissue-sheet placed near or in contact with the top wall and adjacent tothe opening in the top wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Soft tissue sheets such as facial tissue sheets are commonlyoffered as a stack of tissue sheets packed in a dispensing box. Thedispensing box has an opening through which the user pulls the tissuesheets. In order to facilitate the removal of the tissue sheets from thedispensing box, the tissue sheets are interfolded, which means that thetissue sheets are folded into one-another, so that they form a chain oftissue sheets being interconnected by folded portions. In this manner,when removing the top tissue sheet from the stack of tissue sheets andpulling the tissue sheet completely through the dispensing opening inthe dispensing box, the pulled-out tissue sheet will automatically bringa portion of the next tissue sheet in the stack out through the openingthereby making it readily available for gripping and removing from thedispensing box. The praxis of interfolding tissue sheets in this manneris a convenient way of ascertaining that all of the tissue sheets can beeasily removed from the container. There are many types of interfolding,e.g. Z-folding, but neither the type of interfolding, nor the type oftissue is important to the invention.

[0003] A dispenser of this type is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,357(YOH), which discloses a box with a dispensing opening having acurvilinear or “S”-shape. The opening facilitates the dispensing ofinterfolded tissues from a box by fixing the top sheet in a positionextending out through the opening, where it is readily accessible to auser.

[0004] The European patent application EP 00203753.9 discloses a box fordispensing a flat tissue sheet from the stack of tissue sheets. Todispense a flat tissue sheet it is necessary to have a wider opening inthe box. Although a wider opening in the box solves the problem withtissues being wrinkled as they are pulled out of the box, it creates afurther problem with tissues falling back into the box where they areinaccessible for the user. This problem is solved by providing theopening with opposing projections which supports the flat tissue sheetin a presentation position.

[0005] However, in the case of soft facial tissues, handkerchiefs andtissues made from a relatively thin material, the arrangement ofopposing projections is not sufficient to keep a tissue in an upwardpresentation position. A standard box for dispensing tissues of thistype is usually provided with an opening having an extension in thedirection of the main axis of the box. After opening the dispensing box,which basically means exposing the opening in the box, the user must tryand get a grip on the first tissue sheet in order to remove it. After atissue has been removed, the uppermost tissue is usually wrinkled is arandom fashion when it is presented to the user through the opening inthe box. The reason for this is that the width of the tissue is broaderthan the opening in the box, in order to fix the tissue in a positionready to use. At the same time the random presentation position oftenmakes it difficult to get a good grip on the tissue or to grip the edgeof the tissue being presented.

[0006] Hence, there exists a great need of improving the dispensing ofsoft tissue sheets from a stack of tissue sheets, which are packed in adispensing box.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention offers a simple and expedient means ofsolving the problem of dispensing a soft tissue sheet from a stack ofinterfolded tissue sheets which are packed in a container having adispensing opening. In a preferred embodiment, the opening is narrowerthan the width of said tissue sheets. The invention will, however, alsobe applicable for openings of equal or wider width than the width of thetissue sheets.

[0008] In accordance with the invention the dispensing opening isprovided with means for presenting a tissue blocked in a fixed position,with a controlled wrinkled configuration. This allows the user to pullthe presented tissue out flat from the controlled wrinkled position inwhich it is held by the presenting means. The presented tissue may be asingle sheet, or may itself have additional folding.

[0009] The means for presenting the tissue is preferably in the form ofa number of elongated projections or fingers extending from oppositesides of the dispensing opening of the box. The dispensing opening ispreferably, but not necessarily, located in the top wall of the box. Inorder to fix a tissue in position the fingers are overlapping byextending between each other. In the following text, the term“overlapping” is used in the context of projections or fingers extendingfrom opposite directions, placed adjacent and in between each other, asseen in the plane of the top wall. Similarly, the term “opening” isassumed to encompass the general area delimited by any cut-out sections,projections, folding lines and perforated edges in the top wall.

[0010] In order to hold a tissue in a dispensing position, eachprojection has a tip terminating the projection before an edge of anopposing side of the opening, and the tips of adjacent projectionsextend past each other both in an inactive position, wherein allprojections are placed in the same or in parallel planes, and in anactive dispensing position, wherein the projections are raised upwardsto grip a tissue

[0011] As the box is opened the fingers are initially arranged insubstantially the same plane, or in adjacent parallel planes, until thefirst tissue has been extracted through the dispensing opening. Thefingers may be attached to the underside of the top wall of the box, onopposite sides of the opening. It is also possible to integrate theminto the top wall itself, e.g. by making the fingers part of the topwall. This can be done by making a blank having a complete set offingers punched or cut in a single wall, or two sets of opposing fingerspunched or cut in separate walls which will overlap when the box isassembled. The stiffness and/or the point where the fingers are intendedto bend is controlled by a folding line at or near the base of thefingers. The folding line is preferably, but not necessarily, made bysome form of embossing operation. The embossed lines can be made at thesame time as the fingers are cut, or in a subsequent operation.

[0012] When the first tissue is being pulled out through the opening,the fingers will be raised upwards by the tissue on either side thereof.The pulled-out tissue will automatically bring a portion of the nexttissue out through the opening, where it will pass between the fingers.As the first tissue is removed, the following tissue will be held inposition and prevented from falling back into the box by the grippingaction of the opposing fingers. The fingers must be sufficientlyflexible to allow a tissue to be pulled out, while at the same timebeing sufficiently stiff to retain the tissue and prevent it fromfalling back into the box. In their active position the fingers extendupwards, with the tips of adjacent opposing fingers extending betweenand past each other. This causes the tissue to be presented to wrinklein a controlled manner, as it is shaped by the fingers while beingpulled from the box. Adjacent projections can impart a substantiallysinusoidal cross-sectional shape to the tissue in the region of thetips. Accordingly, the thickness and stiffness of a plastic film,cardboard or other suitable material, used for the fingers must beselected to match the softness and material properties of the tissue.

[0013] The sides of the fingers or projections may either be parallel ortapering towards their tips. In the case of projections with parallelsides, a maximum width is determined by the desired stiffness of theprojections. Similarly, a maximum angle enclosed by two sides of atapering projection is also determined by the desired stiffness.Obviously, an increased width or enclosed angle will give the projectionboth a reduced flexibility along its length, as well as an increasedstiffness in the region of a folding line at or near the base of theprojection.

[0014] The overlapping fingers or projections may be arranged extendingfrom opposite sides of the opening, past and with their main axes at anangle relative to the main longitudinal axis of the opening. The fingerson the same side of the opening can be angled in the same direction orbe angled away from each other on either side of a central, transverseplane through the middle of the opening. This first angle of the fingersmay be constant or increase/decrease with the distance from saidtransverse plane.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the fingers are angled between 60° and90° relative to the main longitudinal axis of the opening.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment the fingers are positioned atright angles relative to the main longitudinal axis of the opening.

[0017] In the above cases, said first angle of the fingers is defined asthe angle between the longitudinal axis of the opening and a main axis,or centreline, through the finger or projection. Also, all anglesreferred to are taken in the inactive position of the fingers orprojections, unless otherwise specified.

[0018] In order to avoid interference between pairs of adjacentprojections or fingers, it is important that they do not come intocontact with each other when raised to their active, dispensing,positions. The purpose of the projections is to achieve a controlledwrinkling of a tissue sheet to be dispensed, whereby the tissue sheetitself is supported by the individual projections without any assistancefrom a gripping action between adjacent projections.

[0019] For projections or fingers positioned at right angles relative tothe main longitudinal axis of the opening, whether their sides areparallel or tapered, the desired function may achieved by means of afolding line either parallel to said longitudinal axis or following thegeneral edge of the opening, as long as the angle between the main axisof each finger and the folding line fulfils certain conditions (seebelow). Such fingers or projections can be identified by the fact that aperpendicular line through the longitudinal axis at the point where theedges of a pair of adjacent fingers cross said axis will not intersectsaid fingers. In other words, said perpendicular line will cross theouter edge of each finger only once.

[0020] However, fingers or projections with their main axes angledrelative to the main longitudinal axis of the box may risk interferencewhen raised to the dispensing position. Such fingers or projections canbe identified by the fact that a perpendicular line through thelongitudinal axis at the point where a the edges of a pair of adjacentfingers cross said axis will intersect said fingers. In other words,said perpendicular line will cross the outer edge of each finger morethan once. In such cases the angle of the folding line with respect tothe main axis of the finger may need to be adjusted.

[0021] In the latter case, the folding line, which determines where eachfinger or projection folds, should be positioned at an angle which is ator near right angles to the main axis of the respective finger orprojection. This angle may vary, from being at or near right angles themain axis of a finger to being at or near right angles to a tangent tothe edges of the finger and an adjacent finger at a common line or pointof contact in the region of the area where the tangent intersects thelongitudinal axis of the opening. Hence, the range within which saidangle may vary is substantially equal to the difference between theangle of the finger or projection and the angle of said tangent withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the opening. By definition thisrange can vary from a minimum value of 0°, for fingers with paralleledges, to a maximum value as said tangent approaches an angle of 90° tothe longitudinal axis of the opening. The range must be determined foreach individual finger, which will be described in detail below.

[0022] Using fingers or projections having said first angles less thansaid 60° may be possible. However, due to side forces imposed on thefingers by a tissue sheet being pulled from the box, interferencebetween adjacent fingers may occur even if the above conditions are met.

[0023] Apart from the positioning of the folding lines, the risk ofinterference between adjacent opposing projections can also be reducedby a number of other factors. One such factor is the enclosed angle of atapering projection, whereby an increased enclosed angle will increasethe space between projections in their active positions and reduce therisk of interference. Using a double, spaced cut or punched line betweenadjacent projections will give the same effect for tapered as well asfor straight projections having parallel edges.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the above folding lines may bereplaced by folding areas. Whereas a folding line has a very limitedextent in its transverse direction, a folding area will extend a shortdistance in the general direction of the projection or finger. Saidfolding area defines an area within which a projection may flex whensubjected to a force. However, such areas will also have a generalcontrolled direction of folding, in the same way as an embossed foldingline. The above angles defining how a projection should bend or flexwill therefore apply to folding areas in a similar way. A folding areacan be achieved by embossing, or some other mechanical pressingoperation, resulting in an area having a number of desired mechanical anresilient properties.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, all fingers are made as a partof the top wall, whereby the fingers are defined by a single punched orcut line through said top wall. This line is continuous and defines theoutline of all projections and openings or removable cut-outs in saidwall. The cut line will need to be broken intermittently in order tokeep cut-out sections, etc., in position until they are removed. In thiscase parts of the opening is also defined by a number of embossedfolding lines at or near the base of the fingers. This embossing can beused to control the stiffness of the fingers.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the container is provided withtwo sets of opposing fingers, wherein each set of fingers is placedseparate but adjacent planes. In this case the container is erected froma blank folded to give a top wall having two layers. A first set offingers are part of an upper top wall and that a second set of fingers,opposing said first set, are part of a lower top wall. Both the firstand second sets of fingers are defined by a single cut line throughtheir respective top wall, which line has been cut in the blank priorthe assembly of the box. The upper top wall may have a removable coversection, which corresponds to the shape of the set of fingers in thelower top wall and which has been cut or punched in the upper top wall.This cover section is removed by the user when the container is firstopened, in order to expose the second set of fingers and theirassociated folding lines in the lower top wall.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment of the above container,both sets of fingers and their associated embossed folding lines arepart of said lower top wall, while the upper top wall is provided with acover section. This cover section has the same general shape as theembossed folding lines in the lower top wall, but is slightly larger andis perforated around its circumference. In order to open the container,the cover section is torn of to expose the fingers and the embossedfolding lines in the lower wall.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, all fingers or projections areprovided as a cut or punched line in an insert attached to the undersideof the top wall. In this case the opening has been cut directly in saidtop wall. The top wall may include a cover section integrated with saidtop wall. The cover section has a perforated line around its peripheryand is removed when the box is opened, in order create an opening thatexposes the fingers and their folding lines.

[0029] According to a final embodiment, the edge of an opening in thetop wall may fulfil the function of the embossed folding lines. In thisway the stiffness and point of bending of the fingers would bedetermined by the position of the edge of the opening itself.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0030] The invention will in the following be described in greaterdetail, with reference to the figures which are shown on the appendeddrawings. In the drawings:

[0031]FIG. 1A shows a box containing a stack of tissues in accordancewith a first embodiment of the invention;

[0032]FIG. 1B shows an unopened box containing a stack of tissues inaccordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

[0033]FIG. 1C shows an opened box containing a stack of tissues inaccordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

[0034]FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a box according to the firstembodiment of the invention;

[0035]FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a box containing a stack oftissues in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

[0036]FIG. 4A shows a plan view of a box according to a first embodimentof the invention;

[0037]FIG. 4B shows a plan view of a box according to a secondembodiment of the invention;

[0038]FIG. 4C shows a plan view of a box according to a third embodimentof the invention;

[0039]FIG. 4D shows a plan view of a box according to a fourthembodiment of the invention;

[0040]FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a box containing a stack oftissues in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention;

[0041]FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a blank according to the firstembodiment of the invention;

[0042]FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a blank according to the secondembodiment;

[0043]FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a blank according to the thirdembodiment of the invention.

[0044]FIG. 9A shows a plan view of a first type of projections;

[0045]FIG. 9B shows a plan view of a second type of projections;

[0046]FIG. 9C shows a plan view of a third type of projections;

[0047]FIG. 9D shows a plan view of a fourth type of projections;

[0048] These drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to scale.They do not limit the scope of the invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0049]FIG. 1 shows a generally rectangular paperboard dispensing box Bcontaining a stack of interfolded tissue-sheets. By interfolding, allthe tissue-sheets in the stack are mechanically connected to each otherin a continuous, loosely connected band of individual tissue-sheets. Thepaperboard box has a top wall 1, a bottom wall 2, two long side walls 3,4 and two short side walls 5, 6. The short side walls 5, 6 are each madeup of four individual flaps 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d and 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d(not shown). Each flap is part of the respective top and bottom wallsand the long side walls, and extend from the shorter side edge of saidwalls. When a pre-cut blank is erected to form a container, the flapsare folded to make side walls in a conventional manner. The stack oftissue-sheets rests with a lower-most tissue-sheet on the inner surfaceof the bottom wall 2 and has a height substantially corresponding to theheight of the box B, that is, to the height of the side walls 3-6. It isto be understood, that the height of the stack of tissue-sheets is to acertain degree determined by the height of the box. The interfoldedtissue-sheets are highly compressible and are usually, but notnecessarily, compressed before being placed in the box, so that asufficient amount of tissue-sheets can be accommodated in the box. FIG.3 shows a cross-section of such a box containing a stack of tissues T.

[0050] The box B is provided with an opening 10 in the top wall 1. Theopening 10 is arranged generally centrally in the top wall 5 and extendsparallel to the first and second long side walls 3, 4. Extending fromthe sides of said opening 10 are two sets of opposed projections 11, 12.FIG. 1 shows an arrangement with two sets of four projections, of whichonly one set is visible. The function of these projections will bedescribed in detail below. The opening 10 has a generally offset ovalshape with a central opening 13, rounded ends 14, 15 and slightlyoutwardly curved side edges, so that the opening 10 is wider at acentral portion than at the ends. The opening will be described infurther detail below. Before use of the box of tissue-sheets, theopening 10 is commonly protected by a cover. Usually the protectivecover is made of the same paperboard material as the box itself, and issimply a portion of the top wall 1, which can be torn away along aperforated line in the top wall 1. However other protective devices suchas separate pieces of paper, paperboard, plastic film, and the like canbe envisaged. Moreover, the box can be provided with a permanentlyattached or removable regular lid which is opened to expose the openingin the top wall 1 and which, optionally, can be re-closed. Such a lidmay cover all or part of the top wall 1. When in use, the uppermosttissue T₁ is gripped by the projections in a dispensing position.

[0051]FIG. 1B shows an unopened box with the opposed sets of projections11, 12 in their inactive positions. FIG. 1C illustrates an opened boxwith the projections in their active positions. This figure is identicalto FIG. 1A, but shown without a tissue sheet to obstruct the view of theopposing set of projections.

[0052] Moreover, the opening 10 in the top wall 1 need not have thedescribed oval shape. Hence, rectangular openings, circular openings oropenings having irregular shapes are contemplated within the scope ofthe invention. The exact shape of the opening can be altered to give theprojections the properties required by the type of tissue to bedispensed. Common for the openings, however, is that they extendsubstantially along a central longitudinal axis X across the top wall,as indicated in FIG. 2. The opening is either inversely symmetrical, asseen in FIG. 2, or symmetrical on both sides of a transverse axis Ythrough the box. The length L₁ of the opening in the longitudinaldirection of the box is preferably, but not necessarily, shorter thanthe length L₂ of the box.

[0053] According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the opening is providedwith a number of positioning means in the shape of projections orfingers to prevent the soft and pliable tissue from falling back intothe box. The projections extend from opposite directions of the opening,and are placed adjacent or in between each other, as seen in the planeof the top wall. This can be seen in FIG. 2, which shows a plan view ofa box with its projections in flat, non-active positions, and in FIG. 3,showing the projections lying in the same plane as the top wall. Thetips of the adjacent projections extend past each other both in theiractive and their non-active positions. The base of each projection, asdefined by an interpolated line or curve connecting the tips of each setof opposing projections, defines the opening 10. An embossed foldingline is provided at or near the base of each projection, in the vicinityof said interpolated line. The folding lines 10 a, 10 b determine theposition where each projection will bend. In the preferred embodiment,the projections 11′-11 ^(iv); 12′-12 ^(iv) are slightly tapering towardstheir tips. The tips of the projections are preferably rounded, but canbe given any suitable shape within the scope of the invention.

[0054] According to an alternative embodiment, the projections may alsohave a constant width along a major part of their length.

[0055] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the overlapping projections 11′-11^(iv); 12′-12 ^(iv) are arranged extending from opposite sides of theopening, past and at an angle α relative to the main longitudinal axis Xof the opening. The angle α is measured between said longitudinal axis Xand the centreline or main axis P of each projection The projections onthe same side of the opening are angled in the same direction on eitherside of a central, transverse plane Y through the middle of the opening.In this embodiment the angle α of the projections is the same throughoutfor all projections 11′-11 ^(iv); 12′-12 ^(iv) on both sides of theopening.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment the projections are arranged at anangle α between 80° and 90° relative to a centreline or main axis P ofeach projection and the main longitudinal axis X of the opening.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment the projections are positionedwith their centrelines at right angles relative to the main longitudinalaxis X of the opening 10.

[0058] It is also possible to allow the angle α to decrease with thedistance from said transverse plane Y. According to this embodiment, theangle α could decrease from 90°, or near 90°, towards 80°. This would ofcourse give each consecutive finger a different tapering shape. In afurther embodiment, the projections may be angled symmetrically awayfrom each other on either side of the transverse plane Y, with aconstant angle α.

[0059]FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the overlapping projections in theirinitial, inactive position, before the first tissue-sheet has beenpulled out of the box. In this case the positioning means comprises twosets of projections 11′, 11″, 11″′, 11 ^(iv); 12′, 12″, 12″′, 12 ^(iv)placed opposite each other on either side of the opening 10. As can beseen from FIG. 2, the uppermost tissue-sheet can be accessed through acut-out in the shape of a central opening 13 between the two oppositeedges of the opening 10 and the two projections 11″′ and 12″′ nearestthe central transverse axis Y. On either side of this central opening,the projections are positioned at a predetermined angle α relative tothe longitudinal axis X. Similarly, a pair of cut-outs 14, 15 areprovided at either end of the opening 10, between its ends and theoutermost projections 11′, 12′. The above cut-outs 13, 14, 15 will beremoved as a user opens the box to expose the projections.

[0060] The removal of said cut-outs can be achieved by attaching them tothe underside of a cardboard or plastic sheet covering the openingitself, or a lid covering the entire top wall.

[0061] The example shown in FIG. 2 discloses an embodiment with fourprojections extending from each side of the opening. It is of coursepossible to vary the number of projections within the scope of theinvention. As well as providing an even or an odd number of projectionson either side of the transverse axis Y, the number of projections oneach side of the opening may be varied from two up to e.g. six. Largernumbers are possible, but not practical due to the length of the openingrequired by an increased number of projections.

[0062] The embodiment of FIG. 2 also shows projections 11′,11″; 11″′,11^(iv); 12′,12″; 12″′,12 ^(iv) which are gradually shortened in thedirection away from the central opening 13. This is due to thesubstantially oval shape of the opening 10, which requires the length ofeach subsequent projection to be shorter to conform to the shape of theopening, or in this case the embossed folding lines 10 a, 10 brepresenting the edge of the opening 10. As stated above, these foldinglines determine where the fingers will bend, as they are raised to theirdispensing positions.

[0063] Within the scope of the invention it is of course also possibleto vary the length of the projections in the opposite direction, or touse projections having a constant length. Such variations can also bemade depending on the shape of the opening 10 itself, which shape may bevaried freely within the scope of the invention. Examples of suchembodiments will be described in connection with FIGS. 4b and 4 c below.

[0064] Furthermore, a pre-cut cardboard blank that can be erected toform a box according to FIG. 2, is shown in FIG. 6.

[0065]FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through the box as shown in FIG. 2,at the transverse axis Y. This figure shows the top wall 1, bottom wall2 and the two log side walls 3, 4 enclosing a stack of tissues T. Inthis case the top wall 1 comprises a single layer of cardboard, intowhich the line defining the projections has been cut. In this case theopening 10 would be defined by an embossed folding line 10 a, 10 bextending around the cut line defining the projections at the base ofeach projection.

[0066] The active position of the projections is indicated with dottedlines in FIG. 3. For clarity, only the first pair of projections 11″,12″′ are shown along with an indication of the presented uppermosttissue T₁. In addition, the figure shows how the bottom wall 2 and oneside wall 3 are attached together by means of a longitudinal, narrowflap 7 joined to said bottom wall 2.

[0067]FIG. 4a shows a plan view of the overlapping projections in thesubsequent, active position, after the first tissue-sheet has beenpulled out of the box. When the first tissue is pulled up between theprojections, they will flex and be raised upwards by the tissue. As thefirst tissue is removed from the box, the subsequent uppermost tissuewill be pulled upwards into a dispensing position by the first tissuesheet.

[0068] Although the tissue sheets have the same width as the box, theycan pass through the narrower opening without touching or beingobstructed by the ends of the substantially oval opening 10. This ispossible due to the controlled wrinkling effect of the projections onthe tissue as it is pulled up between the projections. As the tissue ismade from a thin, soft material, the resilient projections are able toassume an interdigitated position with the tips of adjacent, opposingprojections 16′,16″,16″′,16 ^(iv); 17′,17″,17″′,17 ^(iv) extending pasteach other. Each projection will flex upwards and bend around theirembossed folding lines 10 a, 10 b, indicated at the base of eachprojection. The central and outer cut-outs 13, 14, 15 have beendescribed in connection with FIG. 2. The wrinkling imparted on thetissue by the projections can be described as substantially sinusoidalor wave-shaped in the region of the co-operating projections. Outsidethe outer projections and across the central opening 13 the shape of thetissue may be more random, but will still follow the general wave-shapedor partially sinusoidal character of the tissue in the region of theco-operating projections. An example of how the tissue may be shaped inthe vicinity of the tips of the projections is indicated by a dottedline T_(X) in FIG. 4a. The wave-shape imparted to the tissue sheet bythe projections enables it to stay in an upright dispensing position, inspite of the thin and flimsy character of the material in the tissue.

[0069] A cut cardboard blank that can be erected to form a box asaccording to FIG. 4a, is shown in FIG. 6.

[0070]FIG. 4b shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention.Although the shape of the projections shown in FIG. 4b is the same asthose shown in FIG. 4a, the box itself represents a further embodiment.This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 5, which shows a cross-section ofthe box in the transverse plane Y. According to this embodiment, the topwall 1 comprises two layers in the form of an upper top wall 1 _(T),provided with a first set of projections 16′-16 ^(iv) and a lower topwall 1 _(B), provided with a second set of projections 17′-17 ^(iv).These walls would normally be attached to each other by means of anadhesive or glue, but for clarity the layers are shown slightlyseparated in FIG. 5. In its unopened condition, the box shown in FIG. 4bwould have a cover section (see FIG. 7; “18”) covering the second set ofprojections 17′-17 ^(iv), the central cut-out 13 and the outer cut-outs14, 15 in cut the lower top wall 1 _(B). The box is opened by tearingoff this cover section (not shown) is along a perforated line 10 c,shown as a full line on the opened box in FIG. 4b. This full linerepresents a remaining edge in the upper top wall 1 _(T) after theremoval of the cover section. The uppermost tissue sheet is thenavailable through the opening provided by the central cut-out 13. As inthe embodiment of FIG. 4a, the projections are provided with embossedfolding lines 10 a, 10 b at the base of each projection.

[0071] A cut cardboard blank that can be erected to form a box asaccording to FIG. 4b, is shown in FIG. 7.

[0072]FIG. 4c shows a plan view of a further, third embodiment of theinvention, showing the overlapping, opposing projections in theirinactive positions. The projections 16′,16″,16″′,16 ^(iv);17′,17″,17″′,17 ^(iv) and the central and outer cut-outs 13, 14, 15 havebeen described in connection with FIG. 2 above. The embodiment of FIG.4c differs from that of FIG. 4a in that the upper wall 1 is made up oftwo layers. The projections are placed in a lower layer, while an upperlayer is provided with a cover section (not shown). The cover section(see FIG. 8, “C”) is perforated around its outer periphery and isremoved by the user when the box is opened, in order to expose theprojections 16′,16″,16″′,16 ^(iv); 17′, 17″, 17″′, 17 ^(iv) and theembossed folding lines 10 a, 10 b. The resulting opening in the upperlayer is therefore larger than that the area enclosed by the embossedfolding lines and has an edge 19 placed at a distance from said embossedfolding lines. A blank that can be erected to form such a container isshown in FIG. 8.

[0073]FIG. 4d shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the invention,showing the overlapping, opposing projections in their inactivepositions. The projections 20′,20″,20″′,20 ^(iv); 21′,21″,21″′,21 ^(iv)and the central and outer cut-outs 13, 14, 15 are part of an insert Nattached to the underside of the top wall 1. Similar to the embodimentdescribed in connection with FIG. 4c, the top wall 1 would be providedwith a cover section (not shown). The cover section has a perforatedline 19 around its outer periphery, as in the embodiment of FIG. 4c. Thecover is removed by the user when the box is opened, in order to exposethe projections 20′,20″,20″′,20 ^(iv); 21′, 21″, 21″′, 21 ^(iv) and theembossed folding lines 10 d, 10 e. As described above, all projections,cut-outs would be cut or punched as a single continuous line. The insertwould also be provided with folding lines embossed directly onto theinsert. The insert itself is preferably made from a suitable plasticmaterial.

[0074]FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the box FIG. 4b. The cross-sectionshows the lower top wall 1 _(B), which is connected to the first longside wall 3 and folded over the stack of tissues T. The upper top wall 1_(T), which is connected to the second long side wall 4 is folded overand attached to the lower top wall 1 _(B). A first set of projections16′-16 ^(iv) is part of he upper top wall 1 _(T) and extend from anembossed folding line defining the edge 10 a of the opening. This firstset of projections is defined by a cut line in the upper top wall 1_(T). A section of the upper top wall 1 _(T), containing an opposing setof projections, a central cut-out and a pair of outer cut-outs, is aremovable cover (see FIG. 7) having the same shape as a second set ofunderlying projections 17′-17 ^(iv) in the lower top wall 1 _(B). Whenthe box is first opened by a user, this cover is torn off along apartially cut and partially perforated line provided around its entireperiphery, in order to expose a second set of projections 17′-17 ^(iv).This second set of projections 17′-17 ^(iv) is defined by a cut line inthe lower top wall 1 _(B). Instead of using an embossed folding line,the edge of the opening 10 adjacent the base of the second projectionsis defined by a curved edge 10 c in the upper top wall 1 _(T) that isexposed when said cover is removed. For clarity, only projections 16″and 17″ are shown in FIG. 5.

[0075] A pre-cut blank for folding into a box similar to that shown inFIG. 4 will be described in more detail below, in connection with FIG.7.

[0076] The embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 2-5 showprojections extending symmetrically across the top wall, wherein thesets of opposing projections intersect at, or near, a vertical axisthrough the centre of the box. However, within the scope of theinvention it is possible for the projections to intersect at a positionremoved from said vertical axis. This can be achieved either by usingsets of projections each having different properties, such as stiffness,or by using opposing adjacent projections of unequal lengths.

[0077]FIG. 6 shows one possible embodiment of a precut blank that can befolded into a box as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The blank comprises a topwall 1, with associated side flaps 5 c, 6 c, a first side wall 3, withassociated side flaps 5 b, 6 b, a bottom wall 2, with associated sideflaps 5 a, 6 a, and a second side wall 4, with associated side flaps 5d, 6 d. In addition, the bottom wall 2 is provided with a narrow flap 7along its longitudinal side edge. Said narrow flap 7 is used forconnecting the bottom wall 2 and second side wall 4 when the blank iserected. The opening 10 and the two sets of opposing projections 11, 12,as described in connection with FIG. 2 can be seen in the top wall 1.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, the opposing projections can bepart of an insert containing the cut or punched line defining theprojections and the cut-outs 13, 14, 15. Such an insert 20 would beattached to the underside of the top wall 1, as indicated by a dottedline in FIG. 4d. For such an embodiment, the blank shown in FIG. 6 wouldsimply be provided with a cover section perforated around its peripheryplaced in the top wall 1. This type of cover section is describedfurther in connection with FIG. 8 below. In a later step, before theblank is erected, the pre-cut insert is attached to the underside of thetop wall 1 by means of adhesive applied outside the periphery of theperforated line of the cover section.

[0079] In both of the above embodiments, the side flaps are folded in tocreate an end wall 5, 6 at either end of the box in a conventionalmanner.

[0080]FIG. 7 shows one possible embodiment of a precut blank that can befolded into a box as shown in FIGS. 4b and 5. The blank comprises anupper top wall 1 _(T), with associated side flaps 5 a, 6 a, a first sidewall 3, with associated side flaps 5 b, 6 b, a bottom wall 2, withassociated side flaps 5 c, 6 c, a second side wall 4, with associatedside flaps 5 d, 6 d, and a lower top wall 1 _(B), without side flaps.The upper top wall 1 _(T) and the lower top wall 1 _(B) must be indexedto ensure proper alignment of the projections, as the walls are attachedto each other when the blank is erected.

[0081] An upper opening 10 _(T) is provided with a first set ofprojections 16′-16 ^(iv) and a cover section 18, as described inconnection with FIG. 4b and 5, located in the upper top wall 1 _(T). Asstated above, the cover section 18 has a shape corresponding to thecombined surface of the second set of projections 17′-17 ^(iv) and theside and central cut-outs 13, 14, 15. For obvious reasons, the coversection 18 is only attached to the upper top wall 1 _(T) by means of aperforated line following the first set of projections 16, the cut-outsections 13, 14, 15 and a curved line 10 a representing the edge of theopening 10. The lower top wall 1 _(B) is provided with a lower opening10 _(B) having substantially the same basic shape as the upper opening10 _(T). Said lower opening 10 _(B) is provided with a second set ofprojections 17′-17 ^(iv), which will fit between the first set ofprojections 16 when the box is erected. The remaining part of theopening 10 _(B) is defined by a line following the second set ofprojections 17′-17 ^(iv), the shape of the cut-out sections 13, 14, 15and a curved line 10 d representing the edge of the opening 10 _(B)opposing the projections 17′-17 ^(iv). This remaining part is cut outand removed before the blank is erected into a box.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the side flaps are folded in to createan end wall 5, 6 at either end of the box in a conventional manner.

[0083]FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the blank according toFIG. 7. This embodiment has been briefly described in connection withFIG. 4c. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the blank is provided with fivepanels 1 _(T), 1 _(B), 2, 3, 4, with associated side flaps 5 a-d, 6 a-d,as described in connection with FIG. 7 above. The main difference overthe embodiment of FIG. 7 is that the bottom top wall 1 _(B) is providedwith two sets of opposing projections 11, 12, each with associatedembossed folding lines 10 a, 10 b, as described in connection with FIG.2 above. The upper top wall 1 _(T) is provided with a removable coversection or lid C, which is perforated around its outer periphery asindicated by the line 19. When the cover section C is removed from theupper top wall 1 _(T), the opposed sets of projections 11, 12 and theembossed folding lines 10 a, 10 b are exposed, as can be seen in FIG.4c. For this reason the perforated line 19 is positioned so that it willbe placed a short distance outside c, that is between the embossedfolding lines and the outer edges of the lower top wall 1 _(B).

[0084] This distance between the perforated line 19 and the embossedfolding lines 10 a, 10 b depends on several parameters, such as the sizeof the box, etc., but may be between a few millimetres up to a fewcentimetres.

[0085] In a further embodiment it is also possible to let the edge ofthe perforated line 19 fulfil the function of the embossed foldinglines, so that the edge determines the point at which the projections orfingers will flex. In that case, the size and shape of the cover sectionwould be identical to that of the embossed folding lines shown in FIG.4c and FIG. 8. This would eliminate the embossing step of themanufacturing process.

[0086] The positioning means and its projections are made fromcardboard, a relatively thin plastic material, or some other suitablematerial. On one hand it must be sufficiently flexible to allow the usereasy access to the first top tissue-sheet, but on the other hand it mustalso be sufficiently stiff to be able to support the tissue-sheet in asubstantially upright position. Examples of suitable materials areplastics, such as polyethylene, paper, metal foil or laminated or coatedmaterials e.g. polyethylene and paper. The choice of material depends onthe configuration of the dispensing opening, the configuration of theprojections and the type of tissue to be dispensed.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment the fingers are positionedsubstantially at right angles relative to the main longitudinal axis ofthe opening. In order to avoid interference between pairs of adjacentprojections or fingers, it is important that they do not come intocontact with each other when raised to their active, dispensing,positions. The purpose of the projections is to achieve a controlledwrinkling of a tissue sheet to be dispensed, whereby the tissue sheetitself is supported by the individual projections without any assistancefrom a gripping action between adjacent projections.

[0088]FIGS. 9a and 9 b shows projections positioned with the main axes αat right angles relative to the main longitudinal axis X of the opening,with the projections having tapered (FIG. 9a) and parallel sides (FIG.9b) respectively. The desired function is achieved by means of a foldingline either parallel to said longitudinal axis or following the generaledge of the opening (not shown). Such fingers or projections can beidentified by the fact that a perpendicular line Y₁ through thelongitudinal axis X at the point P₁ where the edges of a pair ofadjacent fingers cross said axis will not intersect said fingers. Inother words, said perpendicular line Y₁ will cross the outer edge ofeach finger only once. In FIG. 9a it can be seen that the position ofthe folding line may be varied between a first folding line F₁perpendicular to the main X_(M) axis of the projection, and a secondfolding line F₂ perpendicular to a tangent T_(P) to a common point ofcontact between two edges. In this case the first folding line can bevaried an angle δ equal to the angle α of the main axis X_(M) of theprojection with respect to the longitudinal axis X minus the angle β ofthe tangent T_(P) with respect to the perpendicular line Y₁.

[0089] In the case of FIG. 9b, the tangent T_(P) and the perpendicularline coincides, which means that the folding line F₁ should be placed atright angles to the main axis X_(M) of the projection in order to avoidinterference.

[0090]FIG. 9c shows a special case, wherein a tangent T_(P) to a commonpoint or line of contact between two edges coincides with saidperpendicular line Y₁.

[0091] However, fingers or projections that are angled relative to themain longitudinal axis of the box may risk interference when raised tothe dispensing position. Such fingers or projections can be identifiedby the fact that a perpendicular line through the longitudinal axis atthe point where a the edges of a pair of adjacent fingers cross saidaxis will intersect said fingers. As shown in FIG. 9d, saidperpendicular line will cross the outer edge of each finger more thanonce. In such cases the angle of the folding line, with respect to themain axis of the finger, may need to be adjusted.

[0092] For the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 9d, a firstangle of the fingers is defined as the angle α between the longitudinalaxis X of the opening and a main axis X_(M), or centreline, through thecurrent finger or projection. A second angle β, is equal to the anglebetween the perpendicular line Y₁ and the tangent T_(P) for the currentand an adjacent projection A third angle δ, is equal to the differencebetween the first α and the second angle β, i.e. δ=(α−β). This thirdangle is the range within which the folding line of the currentprojection can be adjusted without causing interference with theadjacent projection. In FIG. 9d, a first folding line F₁ is shown atright angles to the main axis X_(M) of the projection, while a secondfolding line F₂ is rotated an angle d relative to the first folding lineF₁. The position of the respective folding lines F₁ and F₂ along themain axis X_(M) of the projection is determined by the requiredstiffness and/or other desired properties of the projection.

[0093] The third angle δ, can vary from a minimum value of 0°, forparallel fingers, to a maximum value as said tangent. T_(P) approachesan angle of 90° to the longitudinal axis X of the opening. This thirdangle δ will always be less than said first angle α.

[0094] In a further preferred embodiment the fingers are angled between60° and 90° relative to the main longitudinal axis X of the opening.

[0095] Using fingers or projections having said first angles α arrangedat less than said 60° is possible. However, due to side forces imposedon the fingers in the direction of the main longitudinal axis X of theopening by a tissue sheet being pulled from the box, interferencebetween adjacent fingers may occur even if the above conditions are met.

[0096] In FIGS. 9a-d the pairs of projections are drawn symmetrical forclarity. However, as can be seen from the previous figures, opposing,adjacent fingers or projections are not necessarily identical. For thisreason the position of the respective folding lines must be determinedindividually for each projection. This is especially true when aprojection is placed between a pair of adjacent projections.

[0097] Note also, that all angles referred to in the above text aremeasured in the inactive position of the fingers or projections, unlessotherwise specified.

[0098] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but may bevaried within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A container for a collection of interfolded tissue-sheets (T), saidcontainer having a generally planar top wall (1) and a bottom wall (2)and side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) connecting said bottom wall (2) with saidtop wall (1) and an opening (10) provided in at least said top wall (1)for the removal of said tissue-sheets (T) from the container, said stack(T) of interfolded tissue-sheets being placed in said container with atleast a pair of edges of a lowermost tissue-sheet placed on said bottomwall (2) and an uppermost tissue-sheet (T1) placed near or in contactwith the top wall and adjacent to the opening in the top wall, whichopening (10) is provided with elongated, overlapping projections (11,12; 16′-16 ^(iv); 17′-17 ^(iv)) extending from opposite sides of theopening (10), characterized in that each projection has a tipterminating the projection before an edge of an opposing side of theopening, and the tips of adjacent projections extend past each otherboth in an inactive position, wherein all projections are placed in thesame or in parallel planes, and in an active dispensing position,wherein the projections are raised upwards to grip a tissue
 2. Acontainer according to claim 1, characterized in that said adjacentoverlapping projections (11, 12; 16′-16 ^(iv); 17′-17 ^(iv)) arearranged to extend past each other on both sides of a tissue to impart acontrolled wrinkling to said tissue.
 3. A container according to claim1, characterized in that said adjacent projections (11, 12; 16′-16^(iv); 17′-17 ^(iv)) impart a substantially wave-shaped cross-section tothe tissue in the region of the tips.
 4. A container according to claim1, characterized in that said overlapping projections (11, 12; 16′-16^(iv); 17′-17 ^(iv)) are arranged opposite and at an angle (α) relativeto the longitudinal axis of the opening (10) on both sides of thedispensing opening (10).
 5. A container according to claim 4,characterized in that the projections are angled between 60° and 90°relative to the longitudinal axis of the opening (10).
 6. A containeraccording to claim 4, characterized in that the projections on the sameside of the opening (10) are angled away from each other on either sideof a central, transverse plane (Y) through the middle of the opening(10).
 7. A container according to claim 6, characterized in that theangle (α) of the projections decreases with the distance from saidtransverse plane (Y).
 8. A container according to claim 1, characterizedin that the projections are positioned at right angles relative to thelongitudinal axis of the opening (10).
 9. A container according to claim1, characterized in that all projections are part of the top wall andthat the projections are defined by a single cut line through said topwall.
 10. A container according to claim 1, characterized in that afirst set of projections (16′-16 ^(iv)) are part of an upper top wall (1_(T)) and that a second set of projections (17′-17 ^(iv)), opposing saidfirst set, are part of a lower top wall (1 _(B)) and the first andsecond sets of projections are defined by a single cut line throughtheir respective top wall.
 11. A container according to claim 10,characterized in that a removable cover section (18) covering the set ofprojections (17′-17 ^(iv)) in the lower top wall (1 _(B)) has been cutin the upper top wall (1 _(T)).
 12. A container according to claim 11,characterized in that the projections (17′-17 ^(iv)) in the lower topwall (1 _(B)) extend from an edge (10 c) of the opening in the upper topwall (1 _(T)), which edge is exposed when said cover section has beenremoved.
 13. A container according to claim 1, characterized in that afirst and a second set of projections (16′-16 ^(iv), 17′-17 ^(iv)) arepart of a lower top wall (1 _(B)) and an upper top wall (1 _(T)) isprovided with a removable cover (C) over said projections.
 14. Acontainer according to claim 1, characterized in that all projections(20′-20 ^(iv), 21′-21 ^(iv)) are part of an insert (N) attached to theunderside of the top wall (1) and that the upper top wall (1 _(T)) isprovided with a removable cover (C) over said projections.
 15. Acontainer according to claim 1, characterized in that each projection(11, 12; 16′-16 ^(iv), 17′-17 ^(iv); 20′-20 ^(iv), 21′-21 ^(iv)) isprovided with an embossed folding line (10 a, 10 b, 10 d, 10 e) near orat the base of said projections.